49ers’ report card for win over Rams

Offense

Left with few dependable pass-catchers due to injuries, Alex Smith simply kept connecting with his two proven targets, Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis, who accounted for 16 of his 21 completions and 196 of his 219 yards. Smith (98.7 rating) added a 28-yard TD and finished the season without throwing an interception in his last 160 passes. Kendall Hunter (16 carries, 76 yards) continued to flash impressive quickness and acceleration in his role as Frank Gore’s understudy.

Defense

Twenty-seven points … by Kellen Clemens and the NFL’s lowest scoring offense? Those 27 points were the most this typically dominant unit had allowed in regulation this season. Patrick Willis (four tackles) admitted he was rusty after missing the previous three games, but sidekick NaVorro Bowman (nine tackles) saved the day with a sack that backed up the Rams and knocked Clemens out of the game. The secondary has some work to do; Drew Brees might be next.

Special Teams

This unit usually contributes plenty, but a TD pass? In addition to setting an NFL record for most points in a season by a kicker (166), David Akers threw a 14-yard scoring pass to Michael Crabtree. Andy Lee had a 56.8-yard average on five punts (51.4 net) and dropped kicks of 66 and 64 yards inside the St. Louis’ 9-yard line. Reggie Smith, the No. 3 punt returner, filled in admirably, averaging 9.3 yards on four returns.

Coaching

Harbaugh had predicted the nothing-to-lose Rams would try some trickery, and his team was ready for it as Jerious Norwood’s halfback pass was picked off by Tarell Brown. On the other hand, the 49ers duped St. Louis with Akers’ touchdown to an all-alone Crabtree, a stroke of coaching genius. Was Harbaugh premature in sitting Gore in the second half? Harbaugh indicated Gore was injured. Gore said he was fine.

OVERALL

They wrapped up a 13-3 season, clinched a first-round bye … and were clearly dissatisfied – an indication of how the bar has been raised in San Francisco. It’s safe to assume they won’t exhale too early in the postseason, especially after the 2-14 Rams provided quite a fourth-quarter scare.